Combating Online Predators Act
Sponsor
Laurel Lee
Republican · FL-15
Latest Action · Feb 26, 2026
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Bill Progress
Congress Moves to Crack Down on Sextortion
Why it matters
Online threats targeting minors are rising sharply, putting kids at risk every day.
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What This Bill Does
Explicitly Outlaws Threats to Minors Online
Makes it a federal crime to threaten to send or share sexual images of a minor to force them to create or share more sexual content.
Covers Believed-Minors as Well as Real Minors
Targets threats even if the victim is only believed to be a minor by the defendant, closing a key loophole.
Expands Crimes Beyond Existing Child Pornography Laws
Adds new types of criminal threats to current laws, not just possession or production of illegal images.
Targets Interstate and Online Threats
Applies to threats made online or across state lines, recognizing how predators operate today.
Strengthens Penalties for Sextortion Tactics
Allows courts to prosecute those who use threats as leverage to force kids into sending explicit material.
Who Benefits
Minors and Teenagers
Gain stronger protections against online predators and sextortion schemes.
Parents and Guardians
Get new legal backing if children are targeted by online threats.
Law Enforcement and Prosecutors
Receive clearer authority to prosecute online predators using threats against minors.
Schools and Youth Organizations
Can point to stronger deterrents and legal pathways to protect students from sextortion.
Who's Affected
Online Predators
Face new federal charges and harsher penalties for targeting minors, even with just a threat.
Minors Targeted Online
Are covered by expanded legal protections in cases of sextortion or coercion.
Technology and Social Media Companies
May see increased pressure to report threats and cooperate with law enforcement.
General Public
Benefits from added safeguards for youth but may also see debates over privacy and free speech boundaries.
Cosponsors (2)
Recent Actions
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H628)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H628)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6719.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H628-630)
Ms. Lee (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Committees (2)
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Full Bill Text
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View the complete legislative text on Congress.gov
Source: Congress.gov